Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Come rain or shine, there's something for everyone at Almond Valley. We're open throughout the year and with many attractions under cover, there's plenty to see and do whatever the weather

There's so much for students to enjoy, and our play areas hold special appeal to those under ten years old. We'd recommend that you allow at least four hours for your visit.

Our railway is 2' 6" gauge and passenger trains are normally worked by Barclay, a diesel mechanical loco built by Andrew Barclay & Co (557 of 1970).

The Almond Valley site extends for almost a mile, forming a peaceful green corridor beside the River Almond. From a weir across the river, the mill lade flows past the nature trail, alongside paddocks and fields, until it reaches the mill pond. From this meeting place for ducks, water flows beneath the yard to power the historic machinery of Livingston Mill before returning to the river.

The 18th century buildings of Livingston Mill and farm form the heart of the site and have been carefully restored and extended as home to many of our smaller animals, and to accommodate the tearoom and indoor play play spaces. Across the courtyard that serves as terminus for trailer rides, a range of more modern buildings house the main museum, reception and other display areas. Closeby trains leave the railway station on their 500m journey to Almondhaugh.

Walking across the elegant steel bridge over the River Almond, you find yourself in Charlesfield, a pleasant green space with play areas and picnic space. As well as trampoline, pedal carts, the nutty bouncer and the Bones and Stones sandpit, there are orchards, gardens, crops and livestock to enjoy, with woods and meadows to explore.

Download our site plan quiz

Download our general leaflet

Schools

We're delighted to welcome many thousands of visitors from schools, nurseries, playgroups and community groups every year. The Almond Valley site is ideally suited for large groups, with ample toilet and hand-washing facilities, (and a meticulous approach to farm hygiene), along with covered seated space and outdoor benches for eating packed lunches.

Download our Groups Visit booking form for full details on organising and booking your group visit. We offer a discount admission charge for groups of 20 or more people visiting at any time of the year.

In addition to the many opportunities for informal learning around the Almond Valley site, we also present a range of formal teaching sessions, linked to the Curriculum for Learning and presented by our experienced demonstrators. This study visits service is only available to primary schools and associated nursery classes visiting between August and May. For further details of discovery sessions please download the learning visits booking form.

Safety and Hygiene

We do everything possible to protect our visitors from the risk of animal borne diseases and other potential dangers on the farm. The layout and operation of the farm is specifically designed to minimise the risk of cross infection and when coupled to a strict regime of hand washing should ensure that everyone stays healthy.

There are ample hand washing facilities around the site, and during demonstration sessions impress the importance of proper hand washing procedures. It is also vital however that teachers and helpers monitor and enforce effective hand washing after contact with animals and particularly before eating packed lunches.